Gambian leader Adama Barrow has said his government is aware of the socio-economic realities on the ground and the need to offset the unemployment and underemployment rates.
He added that it is for this reason that the Government has developed various policies and launched multiple programmesfor the youth.
President Barrow delivered the statement at the launch of the National Youth Service Graduate Programme and Swearing -in of the national youth service members on Friday at Sir DawdaKairaba Jawara ICC.
He said his government’s interventions are already contributing fully to maintaining an enabling environment for a healthy character formation process for the youth and their transformation into better-equipped and more productive citizens.
“We are mindful that the youths form the backbone of every forward-looking nation. This is the reason for my government’s tireless efforts to make sure that our youths gain meaningful employment in their homeland and stay here,” President Barrow pointed out.
He emphasized that one of the critical objectives of the National Youth Service Programme is to prepare the youth to undertake national duties with utmost seriousness and dedication, adding that rooted in this undertaking is their preparation for leadership roles and execution of other national functions and responsibilities.
The Gambian leader stressed that another cardinal principle of the programme is to inculcate in the youth discipline, hard work, and loyalty to the state.
“I urge you, the participants, to learn expansively and adhere to these principles by remaining loyal to the nation and upholding our national interests,” he noted.
He also said it was fitting that the NYSS and the UTG conducted orientation sessions as part of the capacity development programme, noting that the exercise was to prepare the programme participants to work comfortably in both public and private sector units with such noble qualities as discipline, respect, accountability, and devotion to duty.
President Barrow said that he is thankful that it is during his tenure as President that The Gambia is implementing a National Youth Service Programme for university graduates.
He disclosed that the target for this phase is 100 University of The Gambia (UTG) graduates and will be implemented by the National Youth Service Scheme under the Ministry of Youth and Sports in collaboration with the university.
The President pointed out that this initiative is another clear testimony of his government’s commitment to enhancing the employability and development of Gambian youths.
“With the awareness that more than sixty-three (63%) of our population are under the age of thirty-five (35), my government has, since its inception, continued to devise strategies to empower the youths and create opportunities for them in various areas that include education, training, and sports.
The younger generation has a lot to offer, which we must tap into in the interest of the nation. This cannot happen, however, without the right opportunities and investments,” said on Friday.
